Who is Nari Contractor? Former India skipper who was struck by Charlie Griffith bouncer on West Indies tour in 1962

New Delhi: Nari Contractor, 88 years old, an Indian skipper has played 31 Test matches, 138 first class games. Nari Contractor is back in the news for his surgery, after doctors have successfully removed the metal plate that was inserted in his head 60 years ago as part of the treatment after being hit by the West Indies bouncer .

Nari Contractor’s injury had become a hindrance to his international career. However, he  made his successful comeback in first-class cricket.

It was in 1962, that Nari was hit on the head by a short delivery from West Indies fast bowler Charlie Griffith during India’s tour game against Barbados. After this incident, Contractor had to go multiple emergency operations before he was declared out of danger by the doctors. To further protect him from any injury, a titanium plate was inserted in his head.

This is the latest surgery that he had to undergo for being hit on the head. This metal plate has been removed after 60 years.

According to reports, it is said that there was a time when Contractor played without helmet. Also, there were reports that said that at that time late Frank Worrell, the former West Indies captain, who was watching the match had immediately taken charge of getting his medical treatment.

Also, at the time when Contractor’s injury was reviewed, the doctor’s had said that Contractor would have to be operated within one hour or his life will be at risk. Soon after this, blood were arranged and Worrell was among those who donated along with Contractor’s teammates, Polly Umrigar, Chandu Borde and Bapu Nadkarni.

He is best known for his bold 81-run knock against England at Lord’s in 1959, despite a broken rib suffered from a Brian Statham delivery.

However, his son has informed that the surgery was successful and he his recovering well.